General contractor organizations bring together passionate people with a will to collaborate and share their knowledge and experiences. They support each other and provide solutions to problems in the building industry. Members can be experts from any part of the construction industry, providing useful insight and solutions to questions, concerns and challenges.

Construction contractor associations link you to courses, workshops and conferences, which examine trends and challenges in the industry. You achieve your greatest potential through continued learning at courses and events. As a result, your job performance and professional development are fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Using construction contractor associations as a resource to build your career.

2. Examining various levels of membership for general contractor organizations.

3. Making the most of meet-and-greet and career building activities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join a national association of general contractors to meet and network with peers

Construction contractor organizations can be any size--from small, local groups to large international organizations. No matter the size, they bring together professionals just like you, with the goal of advancing the industry.

I recommend: Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) is a general building contractors association that provides members with a voice. DBIA holds numerous conferences every year to enhance networking opportunities. Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) is an international trade association that works to promote excellence and quality in the sheet metal and air conditioning industry. Use the SMACNA online registration system to sign up for the annual conference.

Pay annual dues to belong to a general contractors association

Building contractor associations' dues vary, depending on how involved you want to be. To join a group, determine what type of involvement you want to have.

I recommend: Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) is an American association of general contractors open to professionals who work in landscape maintenance, design/build, installation and interior landscaping. The group provides members with publications, education and industry specific research. Join as a provider, supplier, affiliate, student or dealer. International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) is an organization with members from the US and Canada. BAC fights for quality of life, through access to fair wages, safe working conditions, good benefits and solidarity among members. Join a union near you.

Benefit individually and professionally from joining a general contractors association

When you join building contractor organizations, you gain access to many career development tools such as magazines, webinars, business reports, courses and seminars. These resources allow you to advance your skills and increase your knowledge, enhancing your career.

I recommend: American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is a general building contractors association dedicated to leadership, advocacy, networking, and education. Sign up for teleconferences or webinars to further your career online. American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE) serves construction estimators with education and opportunity for professional development. Register for one of five ASPE online estimating classes. Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IECI) is a trade group representing electrical contractors and electricians. The IEC University provides a wide variety of support and information to make your company more productive and profitable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a company membership instead of individual membership to a national association of general contractors so that several employees can benefit.